2026 Season
A season of innovation!
Expanding the reach of the Festival and solidifying its place as one of the premier theatre festivals around.
R&J and Joni
A NEW MUSICAL
Text and Music by William Shakespeare and Joni Mitchell
Co-Created by Joey Herbison, Julia Nish-Lapidus, Cara Pantalone, and James Wallis
Performed at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre
July 16 to August 8
Directed by Julia Nish-Lapidus
Music Direction by Joey Herbison
Movement Direction by Breanne Tice
This world-premiere adaptation of Romeo and Juliet brings Shakespeare’s words together with the timeless music of Canadian icon Joni Mitchell in a fully staged musical. Audiences will experience a new way of seeing and hearing one of the most famous plays in the English language, with a unique musical perspective.
Don’t miss this world premiere!
Macbeth at the Tower
A WALK-ABOUT PRODUCTION AT THE MAITLAND TOWER
By William Shakespeare
Performed at the Maitland Tower
July 24 to August 7
Directed by James Wallis
A walk-about production of Shakespeare’s Scottish tragedy. This immersive production will see the story of Macbeth happening all around you, as you change locations for sections of the play, experiencing Shakespeare up close and personal in an epic historical setting.
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind immersive experience!
Spotlight Series
SHINING A LIGHT ON LOCAL TALENTS
Performed at the Kinsmen Amphitheatre
Tuesdays July 21, July 28, and August 4
Over three Tuesdays in the summer we will be welcoming three local artists and companies to take the stage, showcasing the varied and immense talent in Eastern Ontario.
Stay tuned for all the details to be announced soon!